Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Using prior learning towards your degree

There are two ways that you can use prior learning towards your York degree.

1. Credit transfer

This is where higher education credit gained from an alternative course at York, or from a course at another university, can be accepted as part of the course you're applying to at York.

2. Recognition of prior learning

We can assess whether you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills in order to be exempt from studying some required modules. This can be used in two ways:

• prior certificated learning (formal qualifications) at a level equivalent to higher education credit
• experiential learning where your work experience and non-certificated learning can be recognised.

When you can use our credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy

Our credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught (MSc, MA, PG Dip, PG Cert and MRes) applicants, including those from outside the UK. It applies whether you're applying to study at York or one of our partners such as Hull York Medical School.

Our credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy does not apply to research degrees.

How to apply

• If you'd like to make an application for credit transfer or recognition of prior learning you should contact the department you're applying to and then complete the relevant application form.
• You will be responsible for providing sufficient evidence to support your application. This might include certificates of qualifications, an academic transcript or reference from an employer.
• Your application will be assessed based on academic judgement by qualified members of academic staff.
• All applications should be made prior to enrolment unless the department has agreed otherwise due to exceptional circumstances.
• In most cases your prior learning should have been completed within five years of your expected start date at York.

For full details of the policy see: Policy on Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning 2023 (PDF , 242kb)

Application forms

• Application for Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning RPEL (MS Word , 40kb)
• Application for Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning RPEL (PDF , 596kb)
• Application: Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) (MS Word , 39kb)
• ‌Application: Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) (PDF , 627kb)‌

Who to contact